545C

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Weights

MSC Comments

Engine

Cat® C7 Engine

The Cat C7 uses Caterpillar's breakthrough ACERT™ Technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards. It features efficient air management, fuel delivery and electronic control for high productivity and exceptional service life.

ACERT™ Technology

Caterpillar optimizes engine performance while meeting EPA Tier 3 and European Union Stage IIIa regulations. ACERT™ Technology reduces emissions during the combustion process by using advanced technology in the air and fuel systems, in conjunction with integrated electronics. Caterpillar meets emission regulations at the combustion source rather than recycling exhaust gases.

ADEM™ A4 Control Module

Controls the fuel injector solenoids to monitor fuel injection. This system provides automatic altitude compensation, air filter restriction indication and it will not allow the engine to fire until it has oil pressure, acting as cold start protection and a form of pre-lube.

Turbocharger

The C7 features a waste gate turbocharger that provides high boost over a wider range, improving engine response and peak torque, as well as providing outstanding low-end performance.

Maintenance

The C7 engine reduces costs and downtime with a 500-hour oil change interval. Extended service intervals can save thousands of dollars over the life of a machine. Machines are equipped with Caterpillar high efficiency oil filters, whose revolutionary design doubles efficiency without increasing the change interval.

Water Pump

Electronic Transfer Pump

The electric fuel transfer pump is self-priming, eliminating the need for a manual priming pump.

Reliability Features

The C7 offers maximum reliability and response thanks to a range of features:

Improved fuel injectors and pump

Leak-free design

Higher cylinder pressures

Reinforced cylinder block

Leak-Free Design

Improved joints throughout the engine reduce the chance of leaks. The oil pan seal, timing cover and block to flywheel housing incorporate a leak-free design proven in thousands of Cat on-highway truck engines in the field.

Electronic Clutch Pressure Control

The C-Series Skidders have an additional transmission feature for added performance and operator comfort, the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC). This unique feature provides smoother shifting and increases skidding performance by regulating and modulating the individual clutches based on current operator conditions.

Torque Converter

The large, heavy-duty torque converter maximizes the productivity of the entire drive train. The torque converter is matched to the Cat C7 engine for excellent rimpull and skidding performance. This lock-up torque converter has proven its durability over thousands of hours of punishing loads.

Improved Productivity

The torque multiplication capability of the torque converter reduces the need for the operator to continually shift the transmission to maintain good skidder performance, as is required on competitive skidders. This reduces operator effort and improves machine productivity.

Lock-up Clutch

The integral lock-up clutch allows the machine to operate in converter drive for greater rimpull, or direct drive for high efficiency hauling and faster travel speeds. Direct drive capability allows up to 15% higher travel speeds when the lock-up clutch is engaged.

Auto Lock-up

The lock-up clutch automatically engages according to ground speed and engine speed conditions. This feature is handled electronically and allows for increased travel speeds in the same gear.

Differential Locks

Normal operation is with the differential locks in both axles disengaged, meaning the all four wheels are free to drive independently. Locking a differential forces both wheels on an axle to turn in sync with each other. Both front and rear differential locks are easily engaged and disengaged with a conveniently located switch on the right hand console. Hydraulically actuated differential locks allows for on-the-go engagement or disengagement.

Axles

Axles feature a full length oil sump with splash lubrication for excellent heat rejection & long component life. The 545C has Wide Axles as standard for use in all applications from moderate to severe, or when using dual tires, wide flotation tires or chains.

Front Axle

The front axle features a pinion-mounted design and a heavy-duty housing, eliminating the need for a front axle guard.

Pivot Design

The oscillation pivot design provides industry leading ride comfort.

15° oscillation absorbs minor shock loads caused by stumps and holes, and helps isolate the cab from axle movement for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Cooling Demands

Load sensing hydraulics provide flow only when needed, saving fuel and generating less heat, allowing the cooling system to allocate more capacity to the engine, transmission and torque converter.

Oil Cooler

The oil cooler is located above the radiator for better hydraulic oil cooling performance and to make radiator cleanout easier.

Auto-Grab Feature

Auto-Grab, engineered by Caterpillar, constantly monitors tong pressure and adjusts as needed to securely hold grapple loads while skidding. It is easily activated on demand by a switch located on the right-hand control lever.

Cat ToughGuard™ Hoses

Caterpillar® XT™-3 ToughGuard™ hoses improve hose life in the grapple, arch, boom and across the hitch. ToughGuard hoses have been very successful in reducing early hour hose failures. O-ring face seals assure rock-solid connections that maintain pressure and reduce oil leaks.

Structures

Box-Section Construction

Caterpillar designed and manufactured box section structures set the industry standard for reliable, durable main frames. Extensive computer analysis and field-testing resulted in the design of the 545C skidder.

Absorbs Twistng and Shock Loads

Frames can absorb twisting and impact forces to provide a sound foundation and well-balanced system for the entire structure.

Superior Balance

Maneuverability

The 545C skidder provides the tightest turning radius for superior maneuverability while still maintaining the excellent balance required for high capacity skidding.

Caterpillar Manufacturing

The front and rear frames are robotically welded and manufactured by Caterpillar to ensure the highest level of quality and durability.

Hitch

A larger and improved center section features oversized plates and bosses to disperse forces. A large double-tapered roller bearing is used on the lower hitch for reduced flexing stress and maintaining tight joints.

Fenders

Rear frame fender options are available for both grapple and cable arrangements.

Arches and Booms

All Caterpillar arches use box-section construction, and are thoroughly tested to exceed durability requirements.

Dual-Function Arch

The 545C is available with a multiple position, dual-function arch. It accommodates large capacity grapples, well suited for large bundles of small stems, and difficult-to-reach pre-bunched stems. The dual-function arch offers variable reach, which minimizes machine maneuvering to pinpoint a load with the grapple. In addition, it offers the ability to push the skidder forward if necessary.

Cable Arch

Allows outstanding line skidding performance with a two-position adjustable height fairlead to match site conditions.

Operator Station

Comfortable Work Station

The work station incorporates years of cab design innovations to maximize operator comfort and productivity.

Air Suspension Seat

Standard air suspension seat swivels 30° to the right for maximum comfort, while allowing the operator to observe skidder and grapple operations to the rear.

Sealed Cab

The pressurized cab is sealed from exterior air (with windows closed) for efficient heating and cooling. Tight door and window casings also keep out dust, fumes and insects.

Air Conditioning

Standard with the enclosed, pressurized cab, air conditioning helps the operator concentrate on work rather than environmental distractions. A dedicated cab filter assures clean air.

Windows

Tough polycarbonate windows protect the operator, and are large enough for an excellent side and rear view, increasing operator confidence and productivity. Sliding glass windows protected by metal screens in both doors provide fresh air and communication outside the machine.

Transmission Controls

Transmission controls for forward, reverse and gear range are located on the steering wheel for easy fingertip control. The operator can control machine functions with minimal effort, allowing greater concentration on skidding operations. The result is higher productivity and reduced operator fatigue.

Governor Pedal

The governor pedal has been moved to the right for more clearance between the brake pedal, and for improved operator comfort.

Single-lever Grapple Control

A single four-function joystick control has top mounted switches for grapple open and close, tong rotate, and Auto-Grab System activation. The control is simple, convenient and easy to use.

Decking Blade Control

The decking blade control is located on the right side console. This location provides for precise control for various decking and clearing functions while reducing operator fatigue.

Auto-Grab Switch

The Auto-Grab system monitors and adjusts tong pressure as needed to maintain a secure grip on grapple loads.

Lock-up Torque Converter Drive

When activated by a switch on the main dashboard, the machine will automatically switch between operation in fuel efficient direct drive mode or torque converter drive for maximum rimpull in tough skidding applications.

Work Tools

Reliable, Productive Grapples

Caterpillar designed and manufactured grapples use box section construction for ultimate durability. The new tong curvature reduces the time it takes to bundle the load, and higher clamp forces deliver excellent load retention for secure hauls to the landing.

Bunching Grapples

Bunching grapples are designed for harvesting mid-to-large diameter trees, usually felled by a mechanical feller buncher. Its large tong opening is designed to gather a large number of these stems per cycle for maximum loading. It is heavier than the sorting grapple, but its large capacity holds more stems for improved production in smaller trees and large loads.

Oversized Thinning Grapples

Thinning grapples are designed for harvesting small diameter trees, usually felled by a mechanical feller buncher. Its large tong opening is designed to gather a large number of these small stems per cycle for maximum loading. Cat grapples offer large capacity for maximum performance and productivity.

Flow Divider

Hydraulic Winch

The 545C features an electronically controlled hydraulic winch for grapple applications, replacing the mechanical winch. The hydraulic winch improves application flexibility by allowing the tractive effort to be used while winching, and eliminating the continuously rotating driveshaft. The high capacity winch has four function controls: reel-in, reel-out, brake-on, and free-spool. This winch is driven and controlled by the main implement hydraulic system.

Cable Winch

An electro-hydraulic lever controls the winch hydraulic control valve, located on the winch case. The integrated software electronically protects free-spool clutches. The C-500 mechanical winch is available on cable skidders where higher line speeds and max drum pull are important. Winch sump oil is used for hydraulic control and lubrication.

Decking Blade

The decking blade efficiently clears landings and roads, and maintains log decks. It features box section steel arms for superior strength and durability. Decking blade pusharms are mounted directly to the mainframe for excellent strength, and set lower and forward for efficient clearing of slash and debris as well as log deck maintenance. The electro-hydraulic control improves operator comfort and control of the decking blade.

Serviceability

Quick-Access Engine Doors

Large, hinged engine enclosure doors make regular maintenance as easy and fast as possible. Easy access to daily service points increases the likelihood that maintenance will be done, and increases machine service life. In addition, less maintenance time means more working time and greater productivity.

Ground Level Access

Most filters and lube points are accessible from the ground without special tools. Remote lubrication points make daily attention to hard-to-reach joints easy.

Rear Frame Access

Steps and grab irons are located on the rear frame and cab for easier access to the rear frame, arch and boom.

Bolt-on Guards

Bolt-on guards offer protection to critical components, and are easily removable for servicing. Removable floor plates and side plates allow access to components under the cab.

Hitch Hoses

The grapple pilot lines, pressure line and load-sense lines are routed above the hitch and are bulkheaded for easy hose replacement and fastest service. The hitch hoses use the Cat ToughGuard™ technology and have excellent wear characteristics.

On-Board Diagnostic Systems

The Caterpillar Monitoring System continuously checks all critical machine functions and components, and helps locate faults quickly for faster repair. Extremes are recorded, including fluid temperatures, engine speed and electrical system events.

Radiator

Cleanout access doors located on both sides of the radiator help make radiator cleanout faster. The radiator features an all aluminum construction with 8 fins per inch for easy cleanout.

Matched Set Hitch Bearings

Matched set bearings come pre-assembled with the correct pre-load from the supplier to streamline the assembly process and ensure a quality hitch joint every time. No rolling torque measurement is required, so the assembly process is simplified. Matched set bearings also reduce service time in the field.

Customer Support

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers use a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with genuine Cat Reman parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at substantial cost savings.

Product Link

Product Link enables convenient monitoring of important equipment information remotely to help increase productivity and reduce owning and operating costs. This state-of-the-art satellite technology-based Product Link system enables Caterpillar dealers and customers to keep in touch with their machines. The system provides a two-way information flow between machine on-board systems and Caterpillar dealers/customers via the Cat Dealer Website and EquipmentManager. Through the subscriptions to Asset Watch (hours, location, time and geo-fence), Maintenance Watch (preventative maintenance, repair scheduling, parts ordering), and Health Watch (event and diagnostic codes, fuel consumption) the customer can manage their entire fleet.

Machine Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines under consideration before purchase. Cat dealers can estimate component life, preventive maintenance cost, and the true cost of lost production.

Purchase

Look past initial price. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. Look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your machine investment.

Maintenance Services

Talk to your dealer about the range of available maintenance services. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as S•O•SSM Analysis and Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.